OVERVIEW
The Nigerian Energy Support Programme (NESP) supports Nigeria’s transition toward a cleaner, more reliable and investment-ready energy market. Implemented by GIZ with support from the European Union and the German Government, NESP works with public institutions, regulators, state governments and private companies to improve market conditions for renewable energy, energy efficiency and clean cooking. Since 2013, the programme has helped unlock solar investment, improve energy planning, reduce business energy costs, strengthen standards and build the skilled workforce required for Nigeria’s growing clean energy sector.
Implementing Agency:
Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ)
Implementation Period:
2023 – 2028 (current phase)
Total Budget and budget per commissioning party:
Geographical Region:
Nigeria, with activities at federal level and in 23 states.
KEY ACTIVITIES
- Supporting renewable energy business models, including mini-grids, interconnected mini-grids, premium grids and embedded solar generation for industrial and underserved areas.
- Helping companies reduce energy costs through industrial energy efficiency networks, investment-grade energy audits, energy management systems and bankable efficiency measures.
- Improving the investment environment through support to mini-grid regulations, tariff tools, environmental and social guidelines, inspection standards, legal templates and digital application processes.
- Developing digital planning tools such as the Nigeria SE4ALL platform, using ground-truth data to identify viable electrification sites and guide public and private investment decisions.
- Supporting state electricity markets by helping states develop electricity laws, regulations, planning tools and investment-ready frameworks under Nigeria’s decentralised electricity reform.
- Reducing market barriers for renewable energy companies, including through support to customs processes, equipment classification and private-sector coordination.
- Strengthening product quality and investor confidence through standards for solar PV components, batteries, inverters, appliances, energy efficiency labels and building energy performance.
- Building the clean energy workforce through standardised training, certification systems, partnerships with training institutions and private-sector skills initiatives, including with Siemens Energy.
Results or expected results
- 13 mini-grids commissioned, with a combined capacity of around 4 MW, providing reliable electricity to approximately 101,000 Nigerians; additional mini-grid projects are under construction.
- More than 2,500 viable off-grid mini-grid sites identified, helping developers and investors build stronger project pipelines in a market with investment opportunities estimated at over USD 10 billion.
- Industrial energy efficiency measures delivered around 1,500,000 MWh in annual energy savings since 2025, avoiding around 400,000 tonnes of CO₂ per year and generating about EUR 4.5 million in yearly cost savings for companies.
- 19 energy efficiency standards and 38 solar PV-related standards supported better product quality, reduced technical risk and created clearer market rules for efficient appliances and solar technologies.
- The Nigeria SE4ALL platform made national medium-voltage grid data publicly accessible and trained more than 200 professionals, helping investors screen locations and prepare energy access projects more efficiently.
- Skills development activities supported standardised clean energy training across 24 training facilities and trained over 12,500 young professionals, helping companies access qualified local technicians and reduce project delivery risks.